Open
Entrepreneurial Outreach and Navigation Program — #BeTheDrum
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Mentorship and other resources for entrepreneurs
Grant and Funding
Overview
Indigenous women and gender-diverse people can get support in business, management, and entrepreneurship skills from peer mentorship and business resources.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Women
Activities funded
- Participation in peer mentorship and navigation programs to enhance business, management, and entrepreneurship skills.
- Accessing business resources and support networks dedicated to Indigenous women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs.
- Engagement in skill-building activities for strengthening entrepreneurial capacity.
- Networking with other Indigenous entrepreneurs through organized conferences and ongoing community initiatives.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 100,000
Launching a start-up incubator for young Indigenous women
$ 70,000
Keystones of Support: Establishing business development workshops
$ 75,000
Creating a comprehensive business resource library for Indigenous women
$ 90,000
Promoting Indigenous women-owned businesses through a marketing campaign
$ 60,000
Implementing a peer mentorship program for Indigenous women entrepreneurs
$ 40,000
Collaborating with local nonprofits to recognized 'Entrepreneur of the Month'
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous woman or gender-diverse person.
- The applicant must be entering or active in the fields of business, management, or entrepreneurship.
Who is eligible?
- Businesses and entrepreneurial ventures led by Indigenous women
- Businesses and entrepreneurial ventures led by gender-diverse Indigenous people
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
How to apply
1
Access Application Form
- Visit the Native Women’s Association of Canada's #BeTheDrum program page.
- Click on the "Application In English" button to begin the application process.
2
Complete Intake Form
Fill out the English Intake Form with all required information, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
3
Submit the Application
- Review your completed application form for any errors or omissions.
- Submit the form online through the designated platform.
4
Confirmation
Wait for a confirmation email or notification verifying receipt of your application.
Additional information
- The #BeTheDrum program offers peer mentorship to support ongoing entrepreneurial development.
- Participants gain access to a range of business resources and networking opportunities through program features such as the Women's Business Directory and "Entrepreneur of the Month" recognition.
- The program is made possible through financial support from the Government of Canada.
